Press Release

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) issued the following statement in support of the actions announced by the Bush Administration today to strengthen border security, improve enforcement of existing immigration laws, and further crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants:

"The American people want our borders secure and our laws enforced and the Administration should be commended for taking additional steps to achieve those goals. First and foremost, Republicans believe our efforts must start with strong border security and interior enforcement and today's news are positive steps in the right direction.

"Where is the plan from House Democratic leaders to strengthen our borders and address the issue of illegal immigration? Not only have House Democrats done nothing to strengthen our ability to combat illegal immigration, they have actively voted to undermine our efforts. First they voted to cut funding for the border fence and impede its construction. Then they opened the door for illegal immigrants to receive Medicaid or SCHIP services without showing proof of citizenship. And last week they defied the will of the American people by overturning a successful GOP proposal to prohibit taxpayer-funded federal benefits from being awarded to illegal immigrants.

"This is negligence, not leadership. It is not a new direction'; it's the wrong direction. The American people want action and in the absence of real leadership on this issue, Republicans will continue to offer solutions that address their concerns."

NOTE: Last Thursday night House Democratic leaders overturned a 215-213 GOP victory on a vote to deny taxpayer benefits to illegal immigrants, underscoring House Democratic leaders' contempt not only for the democratic process but for the will of the American people on a critical issue. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) admitted on numerous occasions that stealing the vote was a "mistake," but Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said it was a mere "inconvenience" and that there was "no mistake made."

Boehner represents Ohio's 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County. He was first elected to Congress in 1990.